CIS'ters' podcast- Hidden Harm

Within CIS’ters we have highlighted, with other charities, for many years the existence of escalating sexual abuse/rape/exploitation/harassment within our schools. The Department of Education has funded a dedicated NSPCC line for pupils  to report abuse in schools, and during the period 1st April to 7th June a total of 426 contacts had been made. Of these, 366 related to sexual abuse, exploitation with references to harmful sexual behaviour and peer abuse. Whilst the scale of the experiences of young people in the education sector is shocking to members of the public and to government officials, it is a sad reflection in that the news was not shocking to us, but an evidence of what we had feared and knew to be the case.

This podcast explores the context of sexual abuse being experienced by pupils and what needs to now happen to change both behaviours but also educate not only children/teenagers and educators, but also the public as well. A further reality is that having sought the voice of the child to express their experiences, there are insufficient specialist resources to meet the demand should children and young people seek help.

Within CIS'ters as survivors we recognise that survivors can often neglect areas of personal care and that many use self harm as a coping strategy.  This podcast explores the issue of self neglect, and how it can compares/contracts with topics such as self harm. It takes time to recognise the way in which we neglect our personal needs and the pathways that can help.

Further information can be found on our website, including areas such as Self Harm >  www.cisters.org.uk

Learning something new

"Moving forward" for a victim/survivor of sexual abuse as a child, entails an element of learning something new. Of letting go and finding new opportunities of "being" and of living. But learning new brings additional vulnerability and perhaps taking risks. This podcast explores these aspects.

Includes insights into our CIS'ters "journey" with developing PODCASTs.

Within this episode we explore the ways in which victim/survivors of sexual abuse experience a sense of isolation.

Emotional isolation can be a result of the need to self protect as a child and then into adulthood. It is a way of maintaining silence and the fear of judgement. Whilst you can connect with others within a crowded room, emotional isolation means you might be unable to embrace the warmth of others.

Please listen and share!

Music and particularly the role of songs have a powerful part to play in helping victim/survivors to improve their emotional resilience. This podcast highlights the way in which music and song can be harnessed to give us the energy that is needed at times to be able to move forward, a step at a time.

Track list:

1. "Step by Step" by Whitney Houston
2. "Rise Up" by Andra Day
3. "This is Me" from The Greatest Showman Motion Picture by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
4. "Proud" by Heather Small
5. "Something inside so strong" by Labi Siffre

www.cisters.org.uk

CIS’ters is survivor led but also demonstrates the benefits gained from collaborative working with others, including professionals, who have skills and knowledge that are helpful to both the organisation, and to the wider agenda. 

This podcast introduces the current Chair of Trustees, Samantha and how her contribution is helping to empower those within CIS’ters at a strategic level.

www.cisters.org.uk

Loss through the eyes of survivors. NEWLY RECORDED VERSION

Within this episode we explore the ways in which victim/survivors of sexual abuse experience ‘loss’ as both a child and into adulthood. Such losses are unique to individuals and are not only multi-layered but will evolve and change as time goes on. Being able to recognise and name losses can be helpful and although not able to change the past, it might be possible to access new opportunities linked to a specific loss e.g. education.

www.cisters.org.uk

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment.

Often victim/survivors are told by others that they need to ‘forgive’ the abuser in order to move on . This podcast explores the meaning of the word and whose need is being met when there is pressure put on the victim/survivor to forgive.

It is made clear that forgiveness is a personal choice, and it is ok not to forgive.

Information is on our website www.cisters.org.uk  - we also deliver training for professionals.

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment.

Within this podcast we explore issues linked to strategies that might have been adopted by child victim/adult survivors as part of coping with emotional distress.

Information is on our website www.cisters.org.uk  - we also deliver training for professionals.

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment.

Within this podcast we explore issues linked to disclosures to members of the family ‘of origin’.

We offer insights into how to approach such a disclosure if this is something that the victim/survivor might choose to do, as other family members may well have their own agenda and/or perception of the abuser.

Information is available on our website www.cisters.org.uk – we also deliver training for professionals.

Learning about what issues people have that bring them to CIS'ters.

Overwhelming feelings and emotions.

Ways of living with early repeated trauma.

Outcomes of early life trauma and seeking alternative ways of being.

Website: www.cisters.org.uk

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment.

Within this podcast we explore situations that might arise whereby a victim/survivor might disclose to partners, friends and family.

There are different approaches to take but the right of the survivor to choose what they disclose, when and to whom are really important points. 

Information is available on website www.cisters.org.uk – we also deliver training for professionals.

Often childhood abuse is not talked about until an event triggers the abused adult into telling someone that they were harmed. 

Over many years, CIS'ters have gained a wide understanding on the topic of disclosure. From those who have disclosed or who are working to towards a disclosing to e.g. a partner, friend or family.

We have supported women who have disclosed or who are about to tell someone.

Here, we talk through the issues and difficulties faced and the decisions our members face.

Website: www.cisters.org.uk

CIS'ters works to support adult women who were sexually abused as girls and many of them did not disclose when they were children.

We talk through how difficult it is for children to tell someone about abuse they are experiencing or have experienced.

What the common barriers are to telling about abuse.

Website: www.cisters.org.uk

Opening Podcast for the Hidden Harm series.

How it all began. 

Peer support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Support women who were abused as girls.

Website address: www.cisters.org.uk